TRAFFIC cops are being kitted out with new lifesaving equipment to ensure people get swift and effective first aid.

The initiative has resulted in Cleveland Police officers being given new mobile defibrillators to help save lives in emergency situations.

The new equipment features a special setting for use with children and young people and replaces older models installed in some emergency response vehicles.

The heart-saving devices will be used by police during near-fatal incidents they deal with, or will be blue lighted to emergency cardiac scenes if they are the closest 999 response vehicle.

The specialist life-saving equipment will be carried in some traffic patrol cars, dog unit vehicles, and armed response vehicles.

 

One of the new defibrillators used by the force

Temporary Deputy Chief Constable Helen McMillan said: “The new mobile devices mean the difference between life and death, because if someone is in cardiac arrest time is of the essence.

“Our teams want to save lives, so it’s essential that we can equip them with the kit that they need, as in most circumstances it’s the police who are first at the scene.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Barry Coppinger also asked the Force to look at investment in the static defibrillators across police buildings, and as a result four new devices have been installed in Middlesbrough, Redcar, Stockton and Hartlepool for use by the public.

He said: “The new technology in place is in addition to the other medical equipment carried by some of our roads policing teams and makes absolute sense.

“The static defibrillators can be used by the community, if someone is in need, they can call the ambulance service for a special code to unlock the equipment.

“I would like to see more defibrillators in towns and villages across Cleveland.”

The locations of all defibrillators across the force area can be found on the PCC’s website www.cleveland.pcc.police.uk